Edna "Tootsie" Mae (Caines) Johnson

        Reflections of our beloved
            Edna "Tootsie" Johnson

Edna departed this life on December 19, 2016 peacefully in her home. Edna was born October 10, 1935 in the Bronx to the late Dorothy and Milton Caines Sr.. She was a graduate of Mount Vernon High School in Mount Vernon, NY. She later went on the marry Bernard Otis Johnson who departed this life in 2003. They were married 33 years.

Edna had an enjoyable career as a licensed and insured child care provider for 35 years. She created and owned her own child care business which was named "Johnson's Child Care Service". She started two child care association's helping others start their child care businesses.

Edna was outgoing and personable, her coworkers valued her company and many others became close and dear friends. Whether it was her coworkers, family, or friends, Edna always gave great advice and would always lend a helping hand to anyone no matter the request. Edna was known for her positive attitude and warm personality. Her smile lit up a room along with the hugs she gave. Edna's greatest joys in life were sewing and taking care of children.

She leaves to cherish her memory
Her children: Linda Thomas (Charlotte, NC), Sherry Griggs Walker (Hampton, VA), Stephanie Johnson Tillery (Charlotte, NC), Tonya Johnson Fulton (Charlotte, NC), Anthony "Butch" Griggs ( predeceased)

Son-in-laws: James Thomas Jr. (Charlotte, NC), Calbert Walker (Hampton, VA), Timothy Tillery (NY), Frank Fulton (GA)

1 Aunt: Edith Humphrey (Detroit)
1 Cousin: Lois Humphrey (Mt. Vernon, NY)
1 Goddaughter: Lynda Hutchinson (Hampton, VA)

12 Grandchildren: Tashea and James Thomas lll ( Brooklyn, NY), Tonshea Griggs (Mt . Vernon, NY), Terryann Walker (Rochester, NY), Keyon and Brandon Griggs ( Brooklyn, NY), Latesha and Candace Gives (Charlotte, NC), Aniyah Johnson, Ziare, Nyasha and Naasir (Charlotte, NC)

18  Great Grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews

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I'm free

Don't grieve for me now I'm free. I'm following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day. To laugh, to love, to work or play. Task left undone must stay that way. I found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, ah yes these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with time of sorrow.  I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.  My life's been full, I've savored much good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief do not lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me. God wanted me now, He set me Free.

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IF TEARS COULD BUILD A STAIRWAY
  
      If tears could build a stairway
        And memories were a lane
     We would walk right up to heaven
        And bring you back again
     No farewell words were spoken
        No time to say goodbye
     You were gone before we knew it
        And only God knows why
     Our hearts still ache in sadness
        A secret tear still flows
     What it meant to lose you
        No one will ever know
     But now we know you want us
        To mourn for you no more
     To remember all the happy times
        Life still has much in store
     Since you'll never be forgotten
       We pledge to you today
     A hallowed place within our hearts
       Is where you'll always stay

In loving memory of Edna Johnson
       From your Grandchildren

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